List and explain three major causes of the fall of the soviet union and communism in eastern europe, and then write a paragraph describing the results of the fall. be specific, and use examples.

Constitution of the Soviet Union (1977) - its article 72 provides legal ground to freely secede from the federation.
Decentralization efforts by the local political elites - primarily including ones of the Russian SSR, namely, B. Yeltsin & co. A relevant fact is that over 75% people (80% turnout) voted for the preservation of the renewed federation in the Soviet Union referendum in 1991. However, the leaders of the Soviet Union republics have neglected that. This point includes nationalism (particularly in the Baltic and Middle Asian republics) as well.
Incompetence of the Soviet leaders in Moscow  - perhaps, M. Gorbachev was the weakest political leader of our country ever. This man, no matter of his true intentions, constantly surrendered our national interests. That's why, he is personally hated by the largest part of our society and heartily beloved in Europe at the same time.
Economic difficulties - fall in oil prices, economic shortage, sick imbalanced military accented nature of the economy etc. This is an inherently minor reason, because the Chinese transformation, made by Deng Xiaoping since the end of 70s, eloquently proved ability of the planned economy to be reformed.